Raccoons

Raccoons in the attic, garage, or strange noises in your chimney? Raccoons living under your home? Those scurrying sounds in the attic, crawlspace and noises in a chimney may well be a raccoon. Call your local Critter Control office today at 800 CRITTER for effective raccoon removal and exclusion services.

Contact us to get rid of raccoon problems. Call today: 1.800.274.8837.

Description

Spread across most of the North American continent, raccoons are considered pests because of their foraging and nesting habits. They are often associated with trash consumption and live in a wide range of habitats, including rural, urban, and suburban. Raccoons are notorious for their curious and shrewd natures.

Appearance

Ranging considerably in weight (7 to 30 pounds) depending on habitat, raccoons are easily identified thanks to their unique coloration. Black encircles their eyes and extends across their cheeks, similar in appearance to classic burglar masks. Raccoons can reach 3 feet in length and generally have gray fur with hints of brown. Their tails are also unique as they display alternating rings of white and black down the length of the appendage. Raccoons are occasionally compared to canines and bears most likely because all three animals' snouts, omnivorous teeth, and body proportions appear similar.

Habitat

Various species of raccoons live around the world. However, they are most prominent in the United States, Mexico, and parts of Canada. Adaptable, raccoons are found in almost every climate region of the U.S., and some have even learned to survive solely on human garbage. Favorite nesting locations of wild raccoons include forests, marshes, and prairies.

Entry

Are raccoons known to enter homes or yards?
Male and female raccoons enter homes for different reasons. The males rarely invade human habitations and will only do so if natural food sources are scarce. Females, on the other hand, often enter attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces when they are pregnant with young and wish to provide shelter to their coming offspring. Since their hands are structured in such a way that allows them to grasp objects, raccoons have been known to open doors and gain access to secured goods like stored pet food.

Raccoon Damage

Do raccoons harm people or property?
Raccoons damage landscapes while they forage for food. As omnivores, the animals will eat most anything, including vegetation found in gardens and on farmland. The nocturnal mammals also contribute to structural damage, as they are adept diggers. Furthermore, raccoons contaminate homes with their excrement and urine and are carriers of disease. They infamously target unsecured garbage receptacles and leave behind unsanitary messes. Raccoons occasionally attack livestock, such as poultry, and common house pets, like dogs and cats, as well.

Raccoon Control and Safety

Feeding raccoons only increases the chance of home invasion. As such, property owners should employ simple methods of control, like securing trash bins with fitted lids and attaching latches that lock the lids in place. Raccoons normally flee upon approach, but rabid individuals display fearlessness regarding humans. Infected raccoons may also foam at the mouth and move about erratically while baring their teeth. However, not all infected individuals act strangely, so people must always use extreme caution around the animals. The only way to stay completely safe from raccoons is to enlist the help of certified professional removal teams.

Chicago Animal Control & Wildlife Management Services

Critter Control is an environmentally sound and ecologically responsible animal control and wildlife management company. We are committed to providing the best animal removal services to home owners, property management companies, industrial and commercial clients, municipalities and Fortune 500 companies in the Chicagoland area.

Our expert staff includes biologists, zoologists, certified wildlife specialists, animal control officers and anti-cruelty personnel. All of whom uphold our standard of excellence as the number one animal control service in Chicago.

Should have done this a long time ago. Pleasant, efficient and effective removal of squirrels in our soffits. Guaranteed for six weeks - we plan to get the holes fixed before any new families see an opportunity - and in future will call Critter Control before we have generations making a claim on our estate.

Nov 1

Eric was very professional knowledgeable and friendly. Took care of the problem and would definitely recommend.